Bakers

Bakers mix and bake ingredients to produce breads, pastries, and other
baked goods. Many bakers are employed by commercial bakeries
that distribute their goods through wholesale, retail, mail order, or
manufacturer outlets. These manufacturing facilities use
high-volume mixing machines, ovens, and other equipment to produce
standardized baked goods. Other bakers work in grocery stores,
restaurants, and specialty shops, producing specialty baked goods
in smaller amounts.

Bakers typically start their careers as trainees or apprentices, where
they learn how ingredients are affected by heat and how to properly
combine them. They also learn how to ice and decorate cakes and
pastries. Trainees often start out in store bakeries, while
apprentices may start in craft bakeries.

Apprentices have the option of working toward a certificate in baking
through correspondence study. This certification is administered
through the Retail Bakers of America, and is offered in four levels of
competence, including baking sanitation, management, retail sales, and
staff training. Each level has its own education and experience
requirements which must be satisfied prior to the exam. A
certified master baker certificate has the most requirements; the
baker must have earned the certified baker designation, in addition to
completing 30 hours of government-approved or
culinary school sanitation coursework, 30 hours of professional
development workshops, and at least 8 years of commercial or retail
baking experience.

Bakers often work odd hours, such as early mornings, evenings,
weekends, and holidays. They often work under strict deadlines
in hot and noisy environments. They should be have an eye for
detail and be able to follow instructions and communicate well with
others.

Bakers working in retail or wholesale establishments may advance to
supervisory positions, or become buyers for wholesalers or supermarket
chains. Some bakers decide to open their own bakeries.
Positions in the baking industry are expected to experience average
growth, but highly skilled bakers will be especially in demand.
For more information on levels of baker certification, contact the
Retail Bakers of America at 8400 Westpark Drive, 2nd Floor,
McLean, Virginia 22102.